I once said a year without the Iowa State Fair would be unfathomable.
Well, we’ve seen and heard a lot of unfathomable things lately.
Now the Iowa State Fair is BACK, but with a couple of changes that show things aren’t what they used to be.
First, there are metal detectors at the entrances now.
Second, from the fair’s website: “For crowd and pedestrian safety, the inner grounds trams or tractor drawn trailers will not be running.” This is not good, and I say that as someone with their knees intact. I really hope this is a one-time thing. I may end up on the Sky Glider(s) for the first time in years, and those rides aren’t inexpensive.
Third, the fair shuttles from downtown Des Moines and Southeast Polk High School, a service I have endorsed without reservation, will require masks because they are public transportation.
It could be worse. It could be Illinois.
For an overview of fair changes and challenges, including relocation of the Avenue of Breeds to near the 4-H Building, here’s a video from Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.